Madden Will Stay With Fox

January 16, 1998

NEW YORK - — John Madden signed a five-year deal on Thursday to remain the lead NFL analyst for Fox, ending speculation he might leave for ABC's Monday Night Football.

"I enjoyed being a part of Fox Sports' growth over the last four years, so why not five more?" Madden, an 11-time Emmy Award winner, said in a statement. "In 1993, Rupert Murdoch had the foresight to put together something very special, and this week, he stepped up again to keep it going."

The deal means Madden, 61, once again will team up with Pat Summerall. They have been broadcasting together for 17 seasons.

Madden, who became a free agent following the NFC Championship Game, had expressed interest in moving to ABC.

Terms were not announced. Madden's first deal with Fox was for $32 million over four years.

Monday, Fox retained the rights to its NFC Sunday afternoon package, signing a $4.4 billion, eight-year contract with the NFL. The league will collect at least $17.6 billion from its new TV package with four networks.

GREEN BAY, Wis. - If it were his right shoulder, Brett Favre's injury would be the story of the Super Bowl.

The three-time MVP quarterback of the Green Bay Packers said he might have a torn rotator cuff in his non-throwing shoulder but it hasn't affected his play this season and shouldn't bother him against the Denver Broncos on Jan. 25.

Favre said he doesn't plan to have offseason surgery, either.

"It's not a big deal. I don't know exactly what it is, but it feels like there's something in there and they think maybe it's torn cartilage or a torn cuff," Favre said. "But it's the left arm. It just hurts [at) certain times. If I had to throw with it, I don't know if I could.

"But I don't have to worry about that."

Favre said his shoulder injury has not affected his play.

"I don't think it's a big deal. I never thought it was a big deal," he said. "They just ask what's sore on me. And I say, `Basically this.''' The Packers do not permit their staff trainers or physicians to speak to the media and coach Mike Holmgren wasn't available for comment. But, offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis said Favre's shoulder wasn't a big concern.

Favre's right shoulder is fine.

"Yeah," he said. "It feels as good as it ever has."

Elsewhere

-- BILLS Negotiations with Doug Flutie continued on a deal that could bring the six-time Canadian Football League MVP back to the NFL. Jack Mula, the 35-year-old quarterback's agent, said a decision should come in the next few days. The Bills have two other quarterbacks on their roster - Todd Collins and Alex Van Pelt. -- PATRIOTS: G Max Lane signed a five-year contract worth a reported $11 million. Lane, 26, is seen as one of the first beneficiaries of a new $17.6 billion television deal announced Tuesday by the NFL. He earned less than $200,000 last season, his fourth in the league.